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THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: It seems ironic, but the more time I spend in prayer the less antagonism I feel toward a skeptic.
Gathering Hearts for Honduras |
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Actually, she was returning my call. Her husband, David, had been hurt in a work accident, and I was calling to see how he's doing. Also, I knew she would be wondering about Cheryl and I wanted to fill her in. We are helping to put Lourdes through nursing school; she plans to live in Seis de Mayo when she graduates and be a nurse at the mission center.... The team from First United Methodist Church that will be visiting in March had their first informational team meeting today. The team this year will likely consist of 10 to 12 persons. One of their questions has to do with any projects we might want them to do. We are planning to have them start renovating the rent house. They will also begin the work on a horticultural project. One member of their group is planning to make a special trip down sometime between now and March just to get better oriented as to how they might best serve.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: It seems ironic, but the more time I spend in prayer the less antagonism I feel toward a skeptic. This surgery took a lot more out of her; I think the compounding effect of all three surgeries plus problems with her previous foot surgery have taken a toll. Now she needs to be patient as there will likely be a slow, steady recovery..... Thanks to everyone for prayers, visits, cards, meals, etc.
As I mentioned on Wednesday Cheryl's kidney stone surgery this time was a good bit more complicated than before and therefore it is taking more time for her to recuperate. She was able to get up this morning and take a short walk in the hospital hallway. She's experiencing some of the same intolerance to the adhesives that they used last time, so that along with the obvious pain of the surgery has made her very uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the doctor was by today and he seems satisfied with the outcome. She will likely come home tomorrow (Saturday). I had a note from Nicholas today. He is working on a computer expense report for Tyler and is getting ready to go to San Pedro to see Lynnell Fields who is visiting from Kentucky. Seems to be a lot of sickness there; Beto is out today.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - GARY'S THOUGHTS: There are worthwhile things that can be done serving God with one hand. But "exceeding abundantly more than we could ever ask or think" requires both. For many Believers it's time to let go with the other hand. Cheryl had her surgery today. Once again it was more complicated then they expected. One of the stones had attached itself to the kidney so they they couldn't just lift it out. They had to make a second incision. That will entail a little longer recovery time; she will likely be in the hospital at least two days. Tonight she is uncomfortable but stable. Thanks for your prayers.
Alfredo Begins Teaching Today; OSU Engineering Students Plan for Water Purification Program1/4/2011
Nicolas called this morning. Alfredo started today, arranging tools and preparing to recruit students. The only thing we need to buy so far is a new motor for the table saw. Nicholas also wanted to make sure that Alfredo would be included in the lunch program. He will, of course. On New Year's Eve Nicholas sent a greeting to you all on behalf of all the employees. I will include it sometime when I don't have other things to report. Last week we scheduled for today a teleconference with the OSU engineering students and their faculty advisor. We spent an hour on the phone discussing logistics, but more importantly the project they will be bringing. They plan to make 25 water purification units while they are there and install them in as many homes. They will provide education sessions and arrange for regular feedback from the users. This is so exciting because it deals with disease prevention and goes hand-in-hand with our medical clinic programs. This trip to the mission center is now recognized by the College of Engineering as an official study abroad trip. This has increased the level of interest and there will be 16 students instead of the eight or so that I've come in the past. They will also be staying longer. This is all very exciting.
- - - - - - - - -- - - - THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: After He has taken away our earthly treasures we are free to worship with our whole heart. Could anything give the Father greater joy? Think of your own children. Are you most joyful after you have taken away something that has hindered your relationship with them? Or are you most joyful when they decide to give it to you of their own free will? Mark and Linda Bullard were here yesterday to talk about the manufacturing project at the Mission Center. Linda will be coming down with Margaret Brewer in February. We also heard from Dick Cote yesterday. He is the surgeon in Maine who is going to help our shop workers learn how to produce hardware for some their surgical procedures. He got the idea for this project while visiting us in 2008.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - GARY'S THOUGHTS: I think one of the main reasons people pray so little is because they are afraid. Ironically, there may be reason to fear. A.W. Tozer wrote, "To do His supreme work within you He will take away from your heart everything you love the most. Everything you trust in will go from you. Piles of ashes will lie where your most precious treasures used to be...." That may be different things for different people. I think a good example might be found in the parable of the Rich Young Ruler. Happy New Year to all, from Gathering Hearts for Honduras; we appreciate you so very much. Here is a New Year's greeting from Nicholas and our other staff people in Honduras: "Today ends another year. Thank God that all is well here at the project. We are believing that next year there will be greater blessings for this ministry. We pray that the Lord will guard your lives because without you it would not be possible to complete this work. We pray that God will keep you in His hands today and always, and in the final hours of this year, much happiness to all your family... happy and prosperous new year."
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